Theatre concrete disruption continues in run-up to Christmas

Two months since concerns around the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in public buildings came to the fore, more than a dozen theatres are continuing to grapple with disruption caused by addressing potential structural issues at their venues.

According to Theatres Trust, there are currently 14 UK venues closed due to RAAC, with four others remaining open, having put in place mitigation measures to enable them to continue operating.

Most affected venues found to contain RAAC have been shut since September after the government issued updated guidance in response to widespread concerns about the material's longevity in public buildings dating from between the 1950s and the 1970s.

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Three venues are closed with no clear date for when they will reopen, one is partially closed, three have plans to be fully reopened by the end of the year, and seven are relocating performances, three of which are in temporary spaces, while remedial work takes place.

Theatres Trust Director Jon Morgan said: “We are in touch with those theatres that are currently closed to understand the timescales to reopen. Some are still awaiting the conclusion of survey work, so cannot at present identify a timescale for reopening.

“For many theatres, the panto season is a vital source of income, and so three of the affected theatres are developing plans to present work in alternative or temporary venues, and three of them have identified suitable mitigation measures which will enable them to reopen safely in time for their Christmas show. “

Temporary spaces

The Orchard Theatre in Kent, forced to close last month after discovering its roof contained dangerous aerated concrete, will open a temporary theatre to host its Christmas pantomime.

Dartford Council and Trafalgar Theatres have confirmed plans for a 1,000-seat ‘state-of-the-art' temporary venue yards away from the existing Orchard Theatre, which closed on 5 September because of fears over reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in its roof.

Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre also shut its doors last month after discovering that most of its roof structure comprised planks made of RAAC that showed signs of water ingress.

The theatre confirmed the cancellation of all scheduled events at the venue “indefinitely”. The venue’s annual pantomime will occur at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, with managers hoping to relocate more performances in the new year.

Safety 'primary concern'

Another venue forced to extend its closure period is The Core Theatre, Solihull, which has moved its pantomime to the Artrix Arts Centre in Bromsgrove. RAAC found in the auditorium and stage roof resulted in the closure of the performance space, but the rest of The Core building, including the cafe, library and gallery, has stayed open.

Solihull Council said that the auditorium will stay closed while remedial works occur, with the timescale for its reopening currently unknown. "We understand that this is incredibly disappointing, but safety is our primary concern," a spokesperson said.

The Harlequin Theatre in Redhill announced earlier this month that it planned to reopen by 20 October following the discovery of RAAC. However, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council has decided to defer reopening and will relocate its upcoming Christmas show to a purpose-built big top-style tent in Redhill Memorial Park.

Meanwhile, Cardiff Council has confirmed that St David's Hall will remain “temporarily closed” until the new year after shutting on 7 September over concerns about RAAC, with performances relocated where possible.

Cumberland Council has announced that The Sands Centre auditorium will be shuttered for “an extended period”, with the "vast majority" of shows cancelled "up until the end of 2024". Its annual pantomime will not go ahead after structural engineers recommended that the auditorium remains out of use until RAAC panels in its roof are replaced.

Also closed while investigative steps are undertaken is Whitchurch Civic Centre's main hall. A spokesperson for the theatre's corporate landlord, Shropshire Council, said there was no update on a potential reopening date, though some parts of the building are operational.

Preston's Guild Hall and Charter Theatre will remain closed while investigations take place. Photo: Francis Franklin/Creative Commons

Preston Guildhall has yet to reveal its next steps after Preston City Council said RAAC "is believed" to be in the roof of The Grand Hall and Charter Theatre.

The venue was closed in 2019 after the firm running it went into administration. The council subsequently took back ownership, and it was due to reopen this November following an upgrade, but that has been put on hold while structural engineers investigate.

One of the more recent reports of RAAC discovery has been at Midlands Arts Centre (MAC), which reported in early October that the lightweight form of concrete had been identified “in isolated sections” of the roof in the main theatre, Weston studio, and painting and drawing studio.

The building remains open to the public, with affected events rescheduled or moved to alternative spaces.

Many of the impacted theatres had been aware of the existence of RAAC within building structures before the government updated its guidance.

The presence of RAAC in performance spaces at the Brunton Theatre, East Lothian, was identified in May. Parts of the building remain unaffected, but the trust that runs Brunton has temporarily leased the nearby Haddington Corn Exchange, which will host its Christmas show while the main hall remains shut.

The Forum Theatre in Romiley, which also shut after the discovery of RAAC, remains closed pending the reports of a structural survey.

Royal and Derngate Theatre Royal & Derngate Theatre in Northampton has begun reopening its auditoriums Photo: StJaBe / CC BY 3.0

Some venues with RAAC have been able to put in place measures to allow them to reopen. Performances resumed in the Royal & Derngate's Royal Auditorium on 16 October, and the Derngate Auditorium is due to reopen today (24 October).

The venue was forced to close on 4 September after RAAC was discovered in its foyers, raising safety concerns and prompting investigations.

A statement from Royal & Derngate said that they and West Northamptonshire Council have worked “tirelessly” to allow audiences and staff to return to the building safely.

In Peterborough, the Key Theatre, which closed after RAAC was found in its main auditorium roof, has announced a plan for reopening the performance space in time for its pantomime in December.

The Palace Theatre in Southend also hopes to reopen its 100-seat Dixon studio space by the end of the month once remedial work is completed, with a long-term plan to replace the entire roof being considered.